Carry-on Bags Size and Weight Limits

Carry-on bag guidelines
Carry-on bag guidelines.

TripSavvy / Nusha Ashjaee 

Carry-on bags are subject to size and weight limits by airlines. Since what we bring in a carry-on is important and we don't want to be separated from those items, it's essential to adhere to your airline's requirements for the size and weight of bags you attempt to board with.

Most carry-ons sold today measure 22" x 14" x 9" inches. As a general rule, U.S. airlines permit luggage that measures a total of 45 linear inches (115 centimeters), which is the combined length, width, and depth of the bag. This measurement includes handles and wheels.

Flights on small planes and international airlines may be stricter with economy-class carry-ons; some will only accommodate smaller and lighter bags. Passengers who attempt to board with larger bags may be required to check them.

To be sure you and your carry-on backpack or suitcase are not separated at the last minute, check with your airline before you start packing as regulations may have changed. Note: On most airlines, a small personal item, such as a purse or briefcase, can be brought onboard in addition to a carry-on.

Major Airlines' Carry-on Luggage Size and Weight Limits

Aer Lingus
Inches: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9.5
Centimeters: 55 x 40 x 24
Weight: 22 pounds

Aeromexico
Inches: 21.5 x 15.7 x 10
Centimeters: 55 x 40 x 24
Weight: 22 pounds in Economy.
Premier cabin weight: 40 pounds maximum

Air Canada
Inches: 21.5 x 15.5 x 9
Centimeters: 55 X 40 x 23
Weight: 22 pounds

Air France
Inches: 21.7 x 13.8 x 9.9
Centimeters: 55 x 35 x 25
Weight: 26 pounds (includes carry-on and additional in-cabin item)

Air Tahiti Nui
Inches: 45
Centimeters: 115
Weight: 22 pounds

Alaska/Virgin America
Inches: 22 x 14 x 9
Centimeters: 56 x 35 x 22
Weight: not posted

Alitalia
Centimeters: 55 x 35 x 25
Weight: 17.6 pounds

American Airlines
Inches: 22 x 14 x 9
Centimeters: 56 x 36 x 23
Weight: 40 lbs

ANA Airlines
Inches: 22 x 16 x 10
Centimeters: 55 x 40 x 25
Weight: 22 pounds

British Airways
Inches: 22 x 16 x 10
Centimeters: 56 x 45 x 25
Weight: 51 pounds

Caribbean Airlines
Inches: 45
Weight: 22 pounds

Cathay Pacific
Inches: 22 x 14 x 9
Centimeters: 56 x 36 x 23
Weight: 15 lbs

Delta
Inches: 22 x 14 x 9
Centimeters: 56 x 36 x 23
No weight limit (except at certain Asian airports)

EasyJet
Inches: 22 x 16 x 10
Centimeters: 56 x 45 x 25
No weight restriction

El Al
Inches: 22 x 18 x 10
Centimeters: 56 x 45 x 25
Weight: 17 pounds 

Emirates
Inches: 22 x 15 x 8
Centimeters: 55 x 38 x 20
Weight: 15 pounds

Finnair
Inches: 22 x 18 x 10
Centimeters: 56 x 45 x 25
Weight: 17.5 pounds

Hawaiian Airlines
Inches: 22 x 14 x 9
Centimeters: 56 x 36 x 23
Weight: 25 pounds

Iberia
Inches: 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8
Centimeters: 55 x 40 x 20
Weight: 22 pounds

Icelandair
Inches: 21.6 x 15.7 x 7.8
Centimeters: 55 x 40 x 20
Weight: 22 pounds

Japan Airlines
Inches: 22 × 16 × 10
Centimeters: 55 x 40 x 25
Weight: 22 pounds

Jet Airways
Inches: 21.7 x 13.7 x 10
Centimeters: 55 x 35 x 25
Weight: 15 pounds 

Jet Blue
Inches: 22 x 14 x 9
Weight: no restriction

KLM
Inches: 21.5 x 13.5 x 10
Centimeters: 55 x 35 x 25
Weight: 26 pounds (includes carry-on and additional in-cabin item).

LATAM
Inches: 21 x 13 x 9
Centimeters: 55 x 35 x 25
Weight: 17 pounds

Lufthansa
Inches: 22 x 16 x 9
Centimeters: 55 x 40 x 23
Weight: 17.6 pounds

Norwegian
Inches:
Centimeters: 50 x 40 x 23
Weight: 33 pounds 

Qantas
Inches: 45
Centimeters: 115
Weight: 15 pounds 

Singapore Airlines
Centimeters: 115
Weight: 15 pounds 

Southwest Airlines
Inches: 24 x 16 x 10
entimeters (61 x 41 x 28

SWISS
Inches: 22 x 16 x 9
Centimeters: 55 x 40 x 23
Weight: 17.6 pounds

Turkish Airlines
Inches: 21.8 x 15.75 x 9
Centimeters: 55 x 40 x 23
Weight: 17.6 pounds

United Airlines
Inches: 22 x 14 x 9
Centimeters: 56 x 35 x 22
Weight: not posted
Note: United offers a Basic Economy fare, which only permits "one small personal item that fits under the seat in front of you, such as a shoulder bag, purse, laptop bag or other item that is 9 inches x 10 inches x 17 inches." The airline will charge $25 to bring a full-size carry-on aboard, which you can pay for at check-in. Bags brought to the gate incur an additional $25 gate handling charge (total starting at $50). 

Virgin Atlantic
Inches: 22 x 14 x 9
Centimeters: 56 x 36 x 23
Weight: 22 pounds

Notes

  1. Airline regulations and baggage policies are subject to change without notice. Be sure to check with the carrier before you fly.
  2. The sizes quoted are for economy-class passengers. Airlines may permit business and first-class passengers to bring more or larger hand luggage.
  3. As different airplane models may permit larger or smaller carry-on bags, determine what equipment will be used by your airline.
  4. On most airlines, a briefcase, handbag, or laptop computer bag is permitted in addition to one piece of carry-on luggage.
  5. Before or after you pass through security, carry-on luggage may be subject to weighing at the airport. Bags that exceed an airline’s size or weight allowance may be subject to a fee at the gate or removed by personnel and stowed with checked luggage. By weighing and measuring your packed carry-on bag before you leave for the airport, you can avoid extra expense and aggravation.​